Virginia City, Nevada, is in the middle of a social media firestorm! On weekends, Dayone Johnson, a black man, shared a video of a white man threatening him with a “hanging tree.” Now, city officials, the local sheriff’s office, the Nevada Attorney General, and the Hot August Nights coordinator are sharing their stance on what went down.
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This is what happened to “Uncle Ricky” In Virginia City, Nevada
As you know, Johnson first brought the confrontation filmed to the internet via Instagram and TikTok on August 2. It happened on the same day during the annual car show, Hot August Nights.
The clip begins with Johnson telling a white man in a black T-shirt and jeans with a salt and pepper comb to “keep talking.” The man stuck his middle finger at Johnson’s camera as Dayone continued to press him about the “hanging tree” comment.
“And where is the tree for hanging people? Where is it? Where is the tree for hanging?” Dayone ‘Uncle Ricky’ Johnson asked. The white man replied, “In your backyard.”
After the white man’s response, another white man wearing a “Make America Great Again” hat slapped him on the shoulder. When someone tried to interrupt Dayone, she said, “No, no, he just said there is a gallows below to hang people like me. That’s racist. It’s racist.”
The white man in the black shirt continued to rant, calling Johnson a “crying momf**ker” over and over again.
“That’s really annoying you, I’m doing my job, and I don’t respect you, not once,” Dayone Johnson yelled at the man, who replied, “Oh, man. Come on, get out of here, get out of here.
At that moment, an emotional Uncle Ricky yelled back, “Man, you know what you’re up to, and I’m not leaving. Make me go, bastard, because I…”
“I do not create waste; I burn,” the white man said, interrupting Uncle Ricky before sitting on the folding chair. Meanwhile, at least three white men around him confirmed the behavior with laughter.
Then, the white man in his daughter and his wife in a black shirt, who consider themselves as such, joined the situation. The princess shouted, “Do you know where it is? Do you know the history of the city?” when his wife pushed up against Johnson, edging him away from his wife. When Johnson repeatedly asked her not to touch him, he continued to do so, claiming that he loved her and that she was his “brother”. Eventually, Dayone Johnson spoke with local officials.
Swipe below to see the show above.
Virginia City, Sheriff’s Office, Attorney General & Hot August Nights Response
When Uncle Ricky’s video went viral online, local officials took to social platforms to clear the air about the white man’s attitudes and his family’s behavior.
Note that social media users, including Danesh, who is known for doing this, have identified the man and his wife Gary Miller and Janis Cusack-Miller and daughter as Tiffany Miller Ruiz. However, the statement from the parties mentioned above does not identify names.
A Virginia City statement labeled Dayone Johnson’s comments “hateful and racist.” Additionally, the city’s Tourism Commission called the behavior “disgusting and inexcusable.”
“Virginia City is an incredible historic city with vibrant events and a fun atmosphere. We are absolutely against acts of hate, racism or violence,” the statement said, adding that it works with merchants and event partners to create an “inclusive” community.
Meanwhile, the Storey County Sheriff’s Office said it does not “encourage or support racism, inequality or hate speech.” The agency also said it has started investigating the incident as a case and asked for the public’s patience in the process.
Hot August Nights shared two statements about the incident on its website. The first, on August 3, said the incident “inexcusably” did not reflect the show’s “classic car culture and community”. The second, on August 4, announced that it had identified the “individuals featured in the viral video” and “revoked” the registration of Hot August Nights.
“We want to clarify that no Hot August Nights representatives, volunteers, or staff were in the video or involved in the situation. Individuals wearing Hot August Nights badges are event participants. After the event, Hot August Nights will further evaluate the Virginia City location.”
Nevada Attorney General Aaron D. Ford also issued a statement regarding the Virginia City incident. Ford condemned the behavior in the viral video, adding that “this hate does not reflect the values ​​we hold in Nevada.” Additionally, AG Ford announced that he had reached out to Sheriff Cullen to offer his “support” in the investigation.
Social Media Drags Firehouse Saloon After Finding Connection to Millers
On August 3, Firehouse Saloon also issued a statement about close to the incident with Johnson and the Millers. To be clear, social media users have harmed businesses on the social platform and Yelp, driving it down to a one-star rating. The business was linked to the incident because his daughter and wife, Tiffany and Janis, were wearing it t-shirts with the business name and logo on the viral video.
On Facebook, Firehouse Saloon clarified that they were not the people who appeared to harass Dayone Johnson. Additionally, the business says it “supports everyone” and does not “discriminate.” However, a previous post on the Facebook page identified Miller as the landlord and possibly a close friend. Swipe below to view.
Meanwhile, Johnson gave an update on his mental state after the incident. He further explained why he was visiting Virginia City and thanked his online supporters for coming back.
@unclerickyd1 Thanks to all my supporters!!! And everyone who shows love. And understand the severity of this video.
♬ original sound – UncleRicky
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